Grow together with your dog – there’s time…
There are moments when I find myself reflecting on how delicate life really is — how it can shift in an instant and bring experiences we never saw coming, whether we’re prepared for them or not.
Lately, that’s been especially true for me. My youngest daughter has been unwell, and our world has grown very small — most days, we barely leave the house.
Time is spent indoors, with short visits to the garden and to the edge of the forest near our home. Important plans have been changed or postponed.
There isn’t much else to do… the decision has been made for me.
This is a hero title as your trusted partner.
Am I a bad dog owner?
As the owner of three dogs, I could easily get stressed and feel like I’m failing if I haven’t walked 10 kilometers a day or kept my dogs constantly stimulated.
But the beautiful thing about Amichien® Bonding — the method I work with and teach — is that it encourages us to slow down and simply observe our dogs (even just out of the corner of our eye) in moments like these.
For dogs, as natural pack animals, it’s completely normal for each day to look different. Some days are meant for more rest than others.
So when I catch myself thinking I’m a bad dog owner or putting too much pressure on myself, I usually realize — it’s not really about the dog at all.
🧡 Maybe it’s about saying:
“{{firstname}}, you’re actually doing a great job. You are a good dog owner.”
🧡 Maybe there’s another reason your dog is feeling stressed or struggling in certain situations…
Our human world is unpredictable.
Family life — and pack life — can change quickly. Your dog is completely dependent on how you act in the human world, and on the choices you make to create a sense of safety within your pack.
If you’re not aware of how your dog interprets your signals, it can easily lead to stress.
Imagine not knowing what’s going to happen in the next two minutes of your life — that’s what it can feel like for your dog.
This makes certain situations especially challenging for them, like:
- Meeting new packs (dogs or people)
- Being in unfamiliar places (on walks or during visits)
- Moving to a new home
- Being rehomed (as a puppy or adult)
- Being left alone
- Coping with stress, grief, or other emotions in the family
…if we don’t know how to communicate — in the dog’s language — that we’ve got things under control.
Understanding your dog’s language can change how you see yourself.
You’ll grow together. ♡
Have questions about your dog?
If you’re looking for clear answers or just want to share what’s going on in your journey as a dog owner, feel free to reply to this email. I’d love to hear from you — and help you feel more confident in your role.
